What technique could be used to stimulate breathing in a newborn who is apneic?

Providing tactile stimulation is an effective technique to encourage breathing in an apneic newborn. This method involves physical contact that can prompt the infant's respiratory effort. Examples of tactile stimulation include rubbing the newborn's back, stroking the soles of the feet, or gently flicking the feet. These actions can help re-initiate breathing by stimulating the nerve pathways involved in the respiratory drive.

Tactile stimulation is essential because, in many cases, it can quickly promote the return of normal breathing patterns without the need for more invasive interventions. It is a first-line approach that is often used in neonatal resuscitation protocols before considering more advanced measures.

Other methods, such as shaking the newborn gently, are not recommended as they can pose a risk of trauma or discomfort without necessarily encouraging breathing. Administering medication might only be appropriate in specific medical situations, and warmth from a blanket is vital for overall newborn care but does not directly stimulate respiratory efforts. Thus, tactile stimulation remains the optimal choice for encouraging a newborn to breathe when apneic.